Mark Lavery

A MAJOR Wakefield Council organised fireworks display attended by thousands of people was cancelled for safety reasons after just four fireworks had been set off.

Fireworks were due to light up the sky above Thornes Park in Wakefield from 8pm on Saturday as families gathered for the city’s annual bonfire celebration.

However, just seconds in to the display, a tannoy announcement was made to inform crowds that it was cancelled after just four fireworks.

Ben Cook, Wakefield Council’s service manager for markets, major events and tourism, said: “We took the decision to call off the fireworks display based on the expert advice of the fireworks technicians.

“Wind speeds had been monitored throughout the day and had been at acceptable levels; however, after the first few fireworks had been let off, we were advised to stop immediately as gusts of winds had reached unsafe levels.

“West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service were called out to the bonfire earlier in the evening when an ember became lodged in a tree.

“This was a minor incident which was dealt with at the time. It had no bearing on the decision to cancel the fireworks display.

“We would like to offer our sincere apologies that the event could not go ahead as planned.”

People at the event took to Twitter on Saturday night to register their disappointment at the lack of fireworks.

Jess Dickinson tweeted: “So we came to Thornes Park to see fireworks. They lasted 30 seconds then a tree set on fire.”